One of my favorite carols is not one we'll be singing this year. It is 'Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming' and I will be playing it as one of a trio of carols on piano for part of the extended prelude time.
I think part of the reason I love it is the text drawn from Isaiah 11:1; partly, also because of the syncopated rhythm and the way the harmonies don't move all together at the same time (it is musically more interesting that way!); but also partly because it elicits such a clear sense of that single, perfect rose budding and blossoming into our world.
Two summers ago I had the joy of being introduced to the Malcolm Gross Memorial Rose Garden in Allentown, PA by my cousin, also an amateur photographer (we inherited the genes from our grandfather's aunt, Sophie Louise Lauffer, an award winning pictorial photographer in the early-mid 20th century. It was a bit past the height of summer and there had just been a lovely gentle rain shower when we got there. Though they are far from perfect flowers, they still point me to that One shoot coming out of the stump of Jesse whom we worship and adore.
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| This one especially drew me into the image of Christ the Rose, born hidden away from the ruling powers, surrounded by 'thorned' animals and rough shepherds, yet THERE.... HERE! .... just waiting for the star to guide us all to the exact spot where he lies .... waiting patiently (for a time!) .... with skin as soft and smooth and fresh as the dewy petals .... and more fragrant than any flower, permeating the senses until they're on overload and, falling to our knees, we can only cry, 'Glory!' |
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